The Health and Environmental Impact

of
Coal Mining in Chhattisgarh

A SUMMARY

NOVEMBER 2017
The Health and Environmental Impact
of
Coal Mining in Chhattisgarh

A summary

A study to assess the Health Impacts on Populations living in

close proximity of Coal Mines and Thermal Power Plants in
Raigarh district, Chhattisgarh.
Authors:

Ms Rinchin
Dr Prabir Chatterjee
Dr Manan Ganguli
Dr Smarajit Jana

November 2017

This report is dedicated to people of Sarasmal, Kosampali, Dongamahua, Libra, Kodkel and surrounding
villages who have lost their land and livelihood due to close by coalmines and power plants their
health and mind have been affected badly due to the pollution and the loss of economy.

The study has been conducted jointly by People First Collective, India and Adivasi Dalit
Mazdoor Sangathan, a Raigarh-based social organisation.

Cover photo: Women of Kosampali village in a meeting. Credit: Aruna Chandrasekhar.

Contents

Background ................................................................................... 1

About the research ................................................................................... 4

Health impacts of toxic contaminants in coal ash ................................ 6

Findings .................................................................................... 10

Discussion .................................................................................... 15

Remarks .................................................................................... 19

Recommendations .................................................................................... 20

Annex 1. About the authors .............................................................................. 20

Annex 2. Details of samples and their locations: 29-30 May, 2017 ....... 21

Table 1. Consequences of coal mining and coal-fired electricity

generation on environment and health ................................................. 2

Table 2. Descriptive summary of study participants by location ........... 11

Table 3. An overview of the pollutants found in air, water, soil, fly ash and sediment
samples . ....................................................................................... 13

Table 4. Major health complaints (self-reported) in Sarasmal village ...... 14

Chart 1. Distribution of common health problems (self-reported) in Sarasmal ........... 16

Diagram 1. An overview of the effects of eight highly toxic pollutants on human body ... 8
A Summary
 This is NOT the full report only a summary. The REPORT is available on request.

For more information, write to: cginfo.land@gmail.com

 1
Background surrounding villages of Gare Pelma IV/2-3
mines and captive power plants. The current

G enerating electricity by burning coal is by no

means cost-effective even if all safety mea-
sures are in place. If taken into account the human
research is the follow up of the study to assess
the health impacts of coalmines and power
plants in that area.
costs (loss of labour due to ill health and addi-
tional health care costs) and extensive damage
to environment coal is not cheap to generate
electricity. For that reason, a number of countries
in Europe have either stopped or are phasing out
the use of coal to generate electricity. India is yet
to take that route. Instead the country has opted
for extensive coalmining and installing coal-fired
electricity generating plants in states like Chhat-
tisgarh.

Several studies, both in India and abroad,

have established that the process of extraction
of coal, particularly opencast mining, and
generating electricity by coal-fired power
plants produces a range of chemicals and
heavy metals, both gaseous and solid. Every
step in the generation of electricity by coal-
fired thermal power plants mining of coal,
transportation, washing (preparation at the
power plant), combustion, and the disposition
of post-combustion wastes carries serious
risks on the health of miners, plant workers as
well as the populations living around the mines
and power plants. Table 1 is an overview of the
consequences of coal mining and coal-fired
electricity generation on environment and
health.

A recent study1 assessing the level of pollution

due to coalmining and thermal power plants
in Tamnar block of the district of Raigarh,
Chhattisgarh has revealed the high level of
fine particulate matters (PM2.5) and other
toxic materials in air, land and water in the
1 Environmental Violations in and around Coalmines,
Washeries and Thermal Power Plants of Tamnar &
Ghargoda Blocks, Dist. Raigarh, Chhattisgarh: Report of
Fact Finding Team (Nov. 2016).
Table 1. Consequences of coal mining and coal-fired electricity generation on environment and health.

Process By-products Pollutants Environment Health

Mining Dust Particulate matters Deforests and destruction of mountains; Miners: Accidents and fatal injuries; dust inhalation
Rock Heavy metals land erosion and consequences. and respiratory illnesses.
Silicon Drying of rivers and streams. Impact on Population: Respiratory, Cardio-vascular, Neurological
agro-diversity, wildlife and natural habitat. diseases; Chronic inflammatory conditions;
Soil contamination. Nutritional deficiencies due to loss of agriculture and
Displacement of populations. forest produce.
Transportation Diesel exhaust NOx Pollution of air along the route of Population: Respiratory (asthma, COPD), Cardio-
transportation road and rail. vascular (cardiac arrhythmias), Neurological (ischemic
stroke) diseases.
Washing Slurry Arsenic; Pollution of river, pond and ground water Population: Nervous system; cardiovascular; digestive
containing Mercury (poor appetite, nausea, vomiting) system related
heavy metals illnesses; and, cancer. (See below Waste)
2

Combustion Harmful SO2; NOx; CO Air pollution Population: Respiratory (asthma, COPD, dry cough),
gaseous Particulate matters cardiovascular (coronary heart disease, infarct - arterial
chemical Toxic metals: blockage leading to heart attack), and nervous
Arsenic; Mercury systems (ischemic stroke, loss of intelligence)
Cadmium; Nickel
Chromium; Lead
Waste Fly ash Toxic metals: Contamination of air, land and water: Population: Cancer and nervous system impacts
Arsenic; - agricultural and pasture lands from such as cognitive deficits, developmental delays and
Aluminium disposal and landfills. behavioural problems; also, can affect heart, lung,
Boron; Cobalt - crops and vegetables from deposits from kidney and reproductive organs.
Manganese air. Animals: from grazing contaminated grass and
Cadmium - surface water and ground water river, thereby into the food chain.
Lead; Vanadium stream, pond and shallow well from leaching Fish: from contaminated ponds and lakes.
and leaking.
The study
 4
About the research
The research question: Are there toxic
chemicals and heavy metals in air, land and
water around the mines and power plants in
the Tamnar block, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh? If
so, are the population living close by exposed
to such toxic materials? Do these toxic
materials have any bearing on the health of the
population in question?
Who did the research? How was the
research conducted? A team of public health
professionals with considerable experience in
occupational and community health in tribal
communities and environmental researchers
jointly conducted the study with active
participation of local organisation and residents
of villages under the study. A brief note of the
researchers is attached in Annex 1.
The research comprised three inter-dependent
studies, 1) a house-to-house survey to
document health complaints of the residents
of target villages (self-reported illnesses); 2)
medical examinations of residents by a team
of competent doctors; 3) identifying the
pollutants in air, water, soil, fly ash and sediment
the population in question exposed to.
Research protocols: The study has maintained
all standard protocols approval of the survey
and its tools by an ethical committee; proper
training of interviewers; endorsement and
support of relevant authorities at the state
and district levels1. Standard procedures were
maintained in the collection of environmental
samples and were tested at a well-equipped
and recognised laboratory.
1 Patients needing further medical examinations and
clinical investigations were sent to the state and district
health authorities.
Study sites, participants and environmental
samples: Three villages, Sarasmal, Kosampali
and Dongamouha, within 3 kilometers of
surface coal mining and/or coal-fired power
stations, were studied of which all households
in one village (Sarasmal), and every third
and fifth household for Kosampali and
Dongamouha respectively were surveyed.
With prior consent, the house-to-house survey
was conducted using a set of structured
questionnaires. Health survey questions
included symptoms related to respiratory,
cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological,
gastrointestinal, skin and other similar contact
related complaints. Also, the respondents
were asked if they had been diagnosed with
heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes,
kidney diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) or asthma. In addition, the
survey included information on demographics,
land yields, household assets, animals in
possession, height and weight of individuals
to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking
and alcohol habits, exposure to smoke in
households from burning coal as cooking
fuel, water sources for drinking, bathing and
household usages, and information about
members in a household if working in coal
mines or coal-fired power plants and thereby
any additional exposure to coal dust and toxic
chemicals.
[Note: The research focuses on regular
residents living in close proximity of coalmines/
power plants, not miners or power plant
workers as such. It is to be noted that a section
of the population in these study villages are
migrant workers who reside temporarily; the
research does not include such residents.
These migrant workers, when ill, normally return
to their origin villages for treatment and care. In
 5
other words, a comprehensive study of health children) attended makeshift clinics with their
impacts of residents who work in mines/plants health complaints (Sarasmal 78; Kosampali
would require tracking the ill migrant workers as 39; Dongamahua 88).
well.]
A total of 28 samples (4 air samples, 7 water
Altogether 132 households (Sarasmal 82; samples, 9 soil samples, 2 fly ash and 6
Kosampali 27; Dongamauha 23) participated in sediment samples) were collected from villages
the survey, the number of individuals totalling namely Sarasmal, Kosampali, Regaon (upper
515. A total of 205 individuals (including and lower), Dongamauha, Kodkel, Dhaurabhata
and surrounding pasture lands.
House-to-house Survey
Please find Annex 2 for the details of samples,
Demography and socio-economy
their locations and the pollutant sources i.e.
Occupation - if miner/plant worker mines or power plants or coal washeries.
Water source - drinking and other use
Cooking fuel - coal and non-coal
Smoking and alcohol habits
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Common health complaints
Major medical conditions - respiratory,
cardio-vascular, kidney and so forth.
 6
Health impacts of toxic contaminants in
coal ash
A range of toxic materials from coal and coal-
fired power plants, particularly those found
at coal ash disposal sites, are released into the
environment. All have the capacity to affect
human, animal and organic health as a result
of direct contact, inhalation and ingestion or
through food chains. Toxic substances commonly
emitted in gaseous forms or through coal ash, in
addition to NOx, CO and PM2.5 include arsenic,
antimony, boron, cadmium, chromium, lead,
mercury and selenium significantly affect organic
health[25], as highlighted in Diagram 1.
ANTIMONY
Antimony exposure can occur as a result of
gaseous pollution from coal-fired power plants
causing respiratory irritation, skin lesions and
gastrointestinal symptoms. Antimony trioxide is
also a carcinogen affecting human health.
ARSENIC
A known toxic substance, arsenic causes a variety
of adverse health effects. Contaminated drinking
water is a primary route of arsenic exposure.
Chronic exposure to arsenic in drinking water
can cause several types of cancer, including skin,
urinary bladder, lung and kidney cancer. Recent
studies have also linked arsenic ingestion to
cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Both
the levels and duration of exposure are significant
factors in the potential development of cancer.
Ingestion of arsenic can lead to damage of nervous
systems, cardiovascular conditions, and urinary
tract cancers. Inhalation and absorption through
skin can result in lung cancer and skin cancer.
BORON contaminated water causing stomach and small
While boron, a trace mineral occuring in plants and
environment. has medicinal properties in small
quantities, it poses a health risk when occurring
in soils contaminated by pollutant sources such
as coal ash from coal-fired power plants. Children
living near waste sites are likely to be exposed to
higher-than-normal levels of boron through dust
inhalation and contact with contaminated soil. An
inhalation of moderate levels of boron can cause
irritation to the nose, throat, and eyes. Ingestion of
large amounts through food or drinking water can
also result in damage to the testes, intestines, liver,
kidney, and brain.
CADMIUM
Cadmium is a hazardous metal present in fly ash
or released into the environment during storage,
transportation, or through landfill. Exposure to
this metal can also occur through the ingestion
of shell-fish and plants grown on cadmium-
contaminated soils. Typically, however, cadmium
exposure resulting from inhalation of dry coal
ash represents a higher level of absorption
which results in chronic obstructions leading to
lung disease and kidney conditions. It is also a
suspected lung carcinogen.
Cadmium may also be related to hypertension
and increased blood pressure. Cadmium also
affects calcium metabolism and can result in
bone mineral loss and associated bone pain,
osteoporosis and bone fractures.
CHROMIUM
Chromium in the form of chromium-VI is a highly
toxic substance frequently found in coal ash.
When inhaled in large amounts, Chromium- VI can
cause respiratory problems such as asthma and
wheezing, nose ulcers and lung cancer.
Chromium-VI can be ingested through
intestine ulcers. Frequent ingestion can further
cause anemia and stomach cancer while direct
skin contact by some compounds of Chromium
(VI) can result in skin ulcers.
 7
LEAD
Lead is a heavy metal which is damaging to the
nervous system upon entry to the human body.
Exposure leads to neurotoxicity, developmental
delays, hypertension, impaired hearing, impaired
haemoglobin synthesis and male reproductive
impairment. Harmful levels of lead exposure can
occur in drinking water contaminated by coal ash
and coal ash contaminated soils.
There is no safe level for lead exposure,
particularly for children.

MERCURY
As with lead, mercury, found in and around
coalmines and coal-fired power plants, is known
for its neurotoxicity. Mercury is typically emitted
through coal ash and converted by bacteria when
reaching soil and water sources into an organic
compound, methylmercury. Methylmercury gets
into the food chain, particularly through fish.
Mercury is particularly toxic to the developing
nervous system. Mercury exposure during
gestation, infancy, or childhood can cause
developmental delays and abnormalities, mental
retardation and behavioural problems.

SELENIUM
Selenium, an essential nutrient, is used by the
body in a variety of cellular functions. However,
deficiencies or excesses of selenium are harmful
to body. Selenium enters the body through food
chain typically linked to fish or plants absorbing
the metal. Excess intake of selenium can result in a
host of negative neurological conditions including
impaired vision, paralysis, and even death.
 8
Diagram 1. An overview of the effects of eight highly toxic pollutants on human body.

ARSENIC ANTIMONY
Nervous system Eye, Skin - irritation
Cardiovascular Stomach - pain, ulcer
Cancer - urinary, skin, lungs Lung disease

BORON CADMIUM
Nose, Eye, Throat - irritation Lungs - COPD
Liver, Kidney, Intestines Kidney, Hypertension
Reproductive organs Musculoskeletal - joint pain, bone

LEAD CHROMIUM
Nervous system Stomach & small intestine - ulcer
Developmental delays Skin ulcer
Hypertension Lungs - breathing problems

MERCURY SELENIUM
Developmental abnormalities Nervous system
Mental retardation Low appetite
Behavioural problems Impaired vision
Results
 10
Findings Arsenic, Antimony, Boron, Cad-
mium, Chromium, Lead, Manga- ALUMINIUM
Already mentioned earlier that the research cov-
nese, Nickel, Selenium, Zinc and ARSENIC
ered all households in Sarasmal (present at the
Vanadium were found in the wa- ANTIMONI
time of the survey and medical examinations) as BORON
ter, soil and sediment samples
opposed to Kusampali and Dongamouha where
taken around the region. Of the CADMIUM
only sample data were collected. In this summary CHROMIUM
12 toxic metals, 2 (Arsenic and
note of the report, we will present the findings LEAD
Cadmium) are carcinogens and
of Sarasmal only. The findings of Kusampali and
2 (Lead and Nickel) are probable MANGANESE
Dongamouha (self-reported health complaints NICKEL
carcinogens.
and medical examination records), though from SELENIUM
The air, water, soil and sedi-
sample data, are consistent with that of Sarasmal. ZINC
ment sampling results show a
Demographics and socio-economy: VALADIUM
very concerning level of harm-
Majority, if not all, are adivasi or from other
ful substances that adversely
backward castes.
effect health. Heavy metals found in the samples
Majority depend on agriculture; residents say
are well known toxins and their effects on human
that since coal mining has been introduced in
health have been well documented. The measure-
the area, their crops and forest products have
ment of such toxic substances from the areas of
been affected significantly.
human settlements is indeed a cause for concern.
In Sarasmal, of the total 82 households, 45%
Pollutants found in air, water, soil, fly ash and
do not depend solely on agriculture because
sediment samples is summarised in Table
of low crop yield, lasting less than three months
3. For details of the pollutants and their
of the year.
levels, please consult the report POISONED
One third of the population are under-
(available on request).
weight. In Sarasmal, of the 329 participants
(not-recorded 12) 113 individuas i.e. 34% are
with below normal BMI.
Most people use ponds and streams for
bathing and other household usages. 85% of
Sarasmal households.
Despite the fact that the population live in
the midst of coal mines, only a small number of
households use coal; majority use natural fuel -
firewood or cow dung.

The demographics, socio-economic status (main

sources of earnings, land yield, household assets
and animals such as cow/bullock/buffalo), cook-
ing fuel and water sources, nutritional status (BMI)
of participants, Sarasmal as well as Kusampali and
Dongamouha are summarised in Table 2.
Pollutants:
A total of 12 toxic metals including Aluminium,
 11

Table 2. Descriptive summary of study participants by location (total participants =515).

Demographics; Assets; Water and cooking fuel use Sarasmal Kosampali Dongamouha
Households 82 27 (81) 23 (116)
Total participants 341 72 102
Gender (%) (n=341) (n=72) (n=102)
Male 44 42 39
Female 56 58 61
Age (%) (n=341) (n=72) (n=102)
Up to 5 yrs 8 12 3
6-17 yrs 22 14 26
18 29 yrs 23 15 20
30 49 yrs 27 35 30
> 50 yrs 20 24 21
Caste/tribe/class (%) (n= 82) (n= 27) (n= 23)
Schedule tribe 68 85 22
Schedule caste 0 7.5 13
Other backward class 32 7.5 65
Other (includes Hindus/upper class) 0 0 0
Main source of earning (%) * (n= 173) (n= 41) (n= 24)
Agriculture 59.5 41.5 54.2
Miner/plant worker 15 19.5 33.3
Labourer/Migrant 25.5 39 12.5
Land yield % (n= 82) (n= 23) (n= 23)
Reasonably good (crop lasting the whole year) 22 17 9
Moderate (crop lasting 7-9 months) 4 0 4
Not enough (crop lasting 4-6 months) 29 35 13
Low or no (crop lasting <3 months or no yield) 45 48 74
Animals (cow/bullock/buffalo) % (n= 72) (n= 7)** (n= 23)
Reasonably sufficient (>4 animals) 21 14 13
Moderate (3-4 animals) 10 43 9
Just manageable (2 animals) 18 14 13
Low or no (1 or no animal) 51 29 65
Household assets (Pump set/Motor Bike/Television/ (n= 82) (n= 18) (n= 21)
Mobile phone + Bi-cycle) % ***
Reasonably good (3 or 4 items + Bicycle) 45 67 67
Moderate (2 items + Bicycle) 13.5 5.5 14
Not enough (1 item+Bicycle or 2 but no Bi-cycle) 13.5 5.5 0
Low or no (1 item or no) 28 22 19
Nutritional status/Body Mass Index % (n = 329) (n = 70) (n = 99)
Overweight 13 27 19
Normal weight 53 41.5 54
Underweight 34 31.5 27
 12
Water source drinking % **** (n= 87) (n= 25) (n= 23)
Shallow well 78 88 35
Pond 5 0 0
River/stream 1 0 0
Other (deep well/tanker supply) 16 12 65
Water source household usage % ***** (n= 119) (n= 12) (n= 30)
Shallow well 32 67 57
Pond 53 0 37
River/stream 6 16.5 0
Other (deep well/tanker supply) 9 16.5 6
Cooking fuel usage % (n = 77) (n = 24) (n = 23)
Coal 6.5 8 4
Bio-fuel (firewood/cow dung) 61 79 92
Both 32.5 13 4
* No of adult respondents (not households); does not include homemaker, migrants or students.
** Response level is too low.
*** This is not a comprehensive socio-economic survey, rather a simplistic data of certain non-consumable items in
possession. Household consumption expenditures, semi-durable goods or assets were not included in the survey
questionnaire.
**** Some households use more than one source; also, there are non-responses - hence the number varies with that
of households.
***** As above.
 13
Tabole 3. An overview of the pollutants found in air, water, soil, fly ash and sediment samples.

No Sample No of Analysed for Results

samples

Air 4 PM2.5 The aggregate levels of toxic particles in PM2.5 in

Toxic heavy metals Sarasmal, Kosampali and Dongamahua are higher
(Arsenic; Lead; Nickel; than the permissible standard set by the Indian
Manganese; Silicon; MoEF standard.
Aluminium; Calcium; PM2.5 in one location (Sakta Sitapur) adjacent
Cadmium) to the above three villages is strikingly high and
exceeds all standards WHO, USEPA and Indian
Standard.
Toxic metals like Arsenic, Manganese, Nickel and
Silicon all exceed the permissible standards.
Water 7 Aluminum; Arsenic; All toxic metals have been found in the samples;
Boron; Cadmium; Arsenic and Manganese levels are strikingly high.
Chromium; Lead; The levels of Aluminum, Boron, Cadmium and
Manganese; Selenium; Selenium all are above permissible standards.
Total Dissolved Solids
Soil 9 All above; in addition, All are above permissible standards Vanadium,
Antimony and Chromium and Nickel in almost all samples,
Vanadium. followed by Arsenic, Antimony, Cadmium and
Lead.
Fly ash 2 Aluminum; Iron; Aluminum; Iron; Titanium; Zinc levels are
Titanium; Zinc; substantially high in soil due to fly ash deposit;
also, Calcium and Calcium and Magnesium are also found to be
Magnesium. high but in variable amounts.
Sediment 6 Arsenic; Cadmium; Chromium found in all samples; Arsenic,
Chromium; Lead; and, Cadmium in most samples and are exceed the
Zinc. permissible levels.
 14
Impacts on health
Health complaints (self-reported):
10 illnesses appear to be very common among
the population under the study of which hair
(hair fall and brittle hair), skin (dry skin, itching,
discolouration, cracked sole), musculoskeletal
(joint pain, body ache and backache), and
dry cough complaints are most common.
In Sarasmal, of the 341 respondents 34%
mentioned about loss of hair, 30% about
joint pain and/or body ache, 29% about Skin
complaints including cracked sole.

Please find Table 4 that describes these 10

common health complaints among the total
respondents (n=341), and gender distribution.

Table 4. Major health complaints (self-reported) in Sarasmal village.

SL Prevalence of health Number of individuals with specific complaints.

complaints in Sarasmal.
Male Female Total % Female % Total
1 Loss of Hair 27 88 115 76 34
2 Musculoskeletal 33 70 103 68 30
3 Skin complaints 40 60 100 60 29
4 Dry cough 19 71 90 77 26
5 Breathing difficulties 26 52 78 67 23
6 Eye complaints 31 47 78 60 23
7 Chest pain 24 41 65 63 19
8 Stomach related 25 35 60 58 18
9 Mental illness 11 31 42 74 12
10 Kidney related 3 32 35 91 10
Sarasmal:
No of individuals responded to health questionnaire: 341
No of individuals screened by a medical team: 78
Total households: 82
Total population: 450 (aprox.)
* reported by the respondents - not verified with investigation results.
 15
Discussion
H ealth-related complaints identified
amongst participants in this study are
significantly high. The nature of self-reported
health complaints revealed from our house-to-
house survey which were further confirmed by a
team of experienced medical doctors highlights
further serious cause of concern. These findings
and concerns are central to discussion about
the health impact of mining operations in
Chhattisgarh.
The characteristics of health complaints identified
by medical doctors conduction research for this
study and their unique features are highlighted
below as follow:
Very few local residents in the locality of
mining concerns experience good health:
A majority of residents from villages surrounding
coal-mining industries in the Raigarh district
of Chhattisgarh reported health complaints; of
341 respondents to our study in the village of
Sarasmal, 296 or 87% of respondents described
serious health concerns leading them to consult
local doctors at private or governmental facilities.
The striking feature of these medical complaints is
that all are of a non-infective in nature.
Inflammation not infection:
Table 7 above highlights chronic and non-
infective inflammatory health conditions. Further
medical examinations reveal that the causal
agents of these health complaints arise from
non-living organisms rather than from viruses,
bacteria, fungi and parasites derived.
Multiple health complaints:
A significant proportion of the population
examined experience multiple health complaints
related to more than one medical condition
and anatomical systems including respiratory
conditions, musculoskeletal disorders, skin
and hair complaints. Individuals related that
they developed these medical conditions
simultaneously or within a year or so of one
another. In certain cases individuals presented five
or more health complaints alongside two to three
unrelated medical conditions.
Individuals with multiple health complaints
indicate more than one transmission route:
Health complaints involving hair, skin, eye, joint,
respiratory and stomach issues were commonly
reported and/or diagnosed. In Sarasmal, of
228 respondents presenting at least one of a
combination of complaints relating to hair, skin,
eye, joint issues, 37 experienced 3 if not all four
medical conditions, 82 experienced a minimum
of two of the four stated anatomic source
complaints. Similarly, of the 193 respondents
presenting skin, joint or stomach complaints,
37 experienced all three medical conditions,
45 presented with two of the three conditions.
Of Sarasmals 341 respondents, a further 127
individuals presented coughs, 90 of which were
dry coughs. The prevalence of these specific
health complaints suggest residents are exposed
to substantial contact, ingestion or inhalation of
pathogens.
More than one family member experiencing
identical or similar health complaints:
Multiple households were identified where
two or more members experienced identical
or similar chronic health problem complaints.
An individual experiencing one or more health
complaints annually is not a cause for major
concern from a public health perspective. What is
significant, however, is that a sizeable proportion
of households visited by medical doctors reported
identical or similar health complaints among
more than one member resident.
Strikingly high levels of musculoskeletal
health complaints among young age:
The study has found a high proportion of
musculoskeletal complaints in the form of joint
 16

1. Loss of hair - 15%

2. Musculoskeletal - 13%
3. Skin - 13%
4. Dry cough - 12%

Chart 1. Distribution of common health problems (self-reported) in Sarasmal. 5. Breathing difficulties - 10%
6. Eye complaints - 10%
7. Chest pain - 9%
8. Stomach complaints - 8%
9. Mental illness - 5%
10. Kidney - 5%
 17
pain, body ache and/or backache. The finding is
striking because very few studies have recorded
such medical complaints among miners or
populations living in close proximity to mines.
In Sarasmal, of 341 respondents 103 presented
musculoskeletal complaints as did 36 of 78
individuals attending our medical study clinic.
Arthritis manifesting as joint pain or body or
backache is common in older people. What is
striking here, however, is that about one third
of 103 patients presenting musculoskeletal
complaints as part of this study were under the age
of 30 and many as young as 15 or16 years of age.
Dry and not productive coughs:
As mentioned above, 90 of 127 respondents
presented dry coughs, rather than coughs
accompanied by phlegm, which indicate the
presence of an irritant pathogen or pathogens
rather than commonplace respiratory infections
arising as a result of living organisms.
Respiratory complaints and fine particulates:
In some air samples the levels of very fine
particulate matter (PM2.5) have been found to
exceed the World Health Organisation (WHO)
standard of 25g/m3, the 24-hour cut; United
States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
standard of 35g/m3; and Indian Ministry of
Environment and Forests (MoEF) standard of
60g/m3. Shweta Narayans of Community Health
Monitorings study of environmental degradation
around coal mines, thermal power plants and ash
ponds in the Raigarh district, Poisoned, suggests
that PM2.5 levels are so high that the United
States Environment Protection Agency would
have been compelled to issue an advisory for
seriously unhealthy air quality. This indicator is
consistent with our own findings that respiratory
complaints presented by study participants are
more likely to be caused by air pollutants than by
living pathogens.
Burning coal as cooking fuel has little bearing
on respiratory complaints:
Having considered links between the use of coal
as cooking fuel and health complaints resulting
from the inhalation of dust and smoke, in spite of
Sarasmal being surrounded by coalmines on three
sides, of 77 village households surveyed (of which
five were non-respondent), only 5 families (6.5%)
use coal for cooking fuel, 47 i.e. 61% exclusively
bio-fuel such as firewood or cow-dung and 32.5%
used coal and firewood.
Skin complaints, cracked sole and hair loss:
Of 78 individuals attending study medical
clinics, 16 presented skin complaints in the form
of itching, rashes and/or hyper-pigmentation
suggestive of contact dermatitis; four patients
presented extreme cases of severely cracked
soles. While mild hair loss or cracked sole are
normally perceived as trivial health issues by the
population in question which are not normally
considered to merit medical examinations, 34%
of total respondents in Sarsmal complained of
dramatic hair loss.
Musculoskeletal, skin and hair loss complaints
widely presented by study participants indicate
possible manifestations of further chronic
underlying health conditions.
Contact-induced skin complaints due to water
usage cannot be ruled out:
The study has investigated the quality of drinking
water and sources used for bathing and other
household usage. In Sarasmal 78% of households
accessed drinking water via shallow wells or
tube-wells while 59%, more than half of total
village households bathed, washed and cooked
in or with water from local ponds, streams and
rivers. Water samples from local ponds and
streams were found to be contaminated with
toxic metals as indicated in Table 8. It is therefore
possible that use of water from these source is
linked to dermatitis and other complaints linked
 18
to direct physical contact with potential irritants.
As shallow well and tube well water have also
not been tested to date, potential contamination
of shallow underground water through surface
water seepage via contaminated soil also cannot
be ruled out.
farming or agricultural subsistence amongst local
residents, a sizeable percentage have engaged in
alternative forms of employment with apparent
improved income-generation evidenced through
the acquisition of assets such as motorbikes,
televisions, pump sets or bicycles.

A higher than average prevalence of mental
illnesses is cause for concern:
Higher than national average incidences of mental
illness in the villages Sarasmal, self-reported as
well as cases confirmed by a medical psychiatrist,
indicate that 42 local individuals or 12% of total
respondents have been reported as experiencing
mental problems. Eight of a total of 78 residents
attending medical clinics facilitated during this
study have also been diagnosed as experiencing
poor mental health afflictions ranging from
anxiety disorders to clinical depression. While
our temporary clinical was not equipped
with formal psychiatric examination facilities,
significant medical and anecdotal evidence of a
rise in poor mental health and potential mental
disabilities detected amongst villagers living
adjacent to mining processing plants is cause
for concern. Further research is urgently needed
to categorically explore social, economic factors
or pollutants potentially causing neurological
disorders amongst local indigenous residents.
In Sarasmal where 45% if residents no longer
depend on agriculture because of low crop yields
lasting less than three months of the year or not
yielding crops at all, 37 out of 82 households
enjoy relatively better living standards as
exemplified by consumer or financial assets.
On the other hand, nutritional status of the
population remains a concern with 113 or 34% of
329 participants being under-nourished.
Upon further analysis, local health complaints
fail to substantially correlate with participants
broader economic and nutritional status thus
suggesting significant negative impact of
pollutants on local residents experiencing higher
than expected health complaints.

Inverse relationship between health and

socioeconomic-nutritional status does not
explain health conditions detected amongst
participants:
The agriculture and natural resource-based
economy of the local population has been
affected significantly by the introduction of
coal mining and coal-based industries into the
Raigarh region. This has led to a substantial
sector of the population struggling to survive
on very limited sources of income, particularly
where dependent upon agricultural resources.
In light of the changing viability of traditional
 19
Remarks
T he findings of this study are significant
and demand immediate measures. Health
and Environmental Impact of Coal Mining in
Chhattisgarh reveals that large-scale mining,
coal-fired power plants and associated industries
have inflicted lasting negative impacts on the
population living for generations in the Raighar
region of Chhattisgarh. Their environment,
physical and mental health have been
compromised, as revealed in our study of village
populations, through exposure to worrisomely
high levels of toxic heavy metals found in air,
water, soil and sediment samples.
Several previous studies in India and elsewhere
have documented the existence of pollutants in
the vicinity of coalmines and coal combustion
processing plants. Also, studies in the UK and
USA have assessed health conditions of residents
living adjacent to coal mines or coal-fired power
plants by looking into their medical records. The
findings of Health and Environmental Impact of
Coal Mining in Chhattisgarh are consistent with
and therefore build upon the findings of previous
studies.
Few, however, are as comprehensive as this
current piece of research. While exploring levels
of toxic pollutants from surface mining and coal-
fired power plants in communities living nearby
and investigating self-reported health complaints
of local people through extensive house-to-
house surveys, it has also further validated their
conclusions through formal medical examinations
To conduct a comprehensive study of this nature
was not an easy task it required time, means,
expertise and effective planning. It is hoped
that this crucial medical and environmental
investigation into the issue will be supplemented
by further research revealing the nature and
extent of some of the unexplored health impacts
such as kidney, diabetes and the prevalence of
cancers, and will offer an even broader picture of
links between coal mining activity and health.
The presence of high levels of pollutants
originating from coalmining and coal-fired power
plants adjacent to their lands indicate a strong
likelihood that such toxic substances are linked
to their poor health. The research also finds that
extensive mining and installations of coal-fired
power plants and coal mining on a massive scale
have negative impacts on socioeconomy of the
population their agriculture, natural resource-
based economy, culture and the safe environment.
These populations have been living in the area for
generations but now struggle to survive as they
have lost their lands, rivers and forests.
The dispossession of land has impacted on
physical and mental health of the population; the
shirking of forest cover and rampant pollution
have destroyed the environment. Populations
are forced to migrate or to work in mines and
industries as temporary workers. Local inhabitants
rightly demand that the Forest Rights Act of
India, 2006, (that recognises the forest rights
of scheduled tribes and other traditional forest
dwellers) and the Panchayats Extension to the
Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996, (that ensures
self governance through traditional Gram Sabhas
for people living in the Scheduled Areas of India)
with their true spirit. These Acts will ensure the
communities to have control and access over their
own natural resources and environment.
The human and environmental costs are way too
high to generate electricity by burning coal. It is
desirable that the government of India adopts
policies to phase out coal and protect forest and
hills by stop surface mining without delay.
 20
Recommendations
T he findings of the research dictate the
following recommendations focusing on
people and pollution. These actions suggested
below are in line with the demands of the
local communities. Authors of this report hope
that relevant authorities will take immediate
measures before further damage to people and
environment.
1. Conduct an in-depth study to identify the
nature and extent of pollution in communities
around coalmines and coal-fired thermal power
plants, and undertake clean up measures - air, soil
and water sources (surface and underground).
2. Provide proper health care and specialised
treatments free of cost for all residents living
within 5 KM of coalmines and coal-fired power
plants.
3. Undertake measures so that the populations
have safe water for drinking and other uses.
4. Initiate comprehensive and continuous
monitoring of emissions in air, soil water sources,
drinking water and fish in the region.
5. Apprehend polluters and take corrective
remediation action to bring the levels of dust
and heavy metals in residential areas to below
detection limits.
6. Award the affected families punitive damages
for responsible companies causing pollution
neglecting norms and standards.
7. Impose a moratorium on any further expansion
of the existing mines or setting up of new
coalmines until comprehensive health impact
assessments of the mines and power plants
are completed and its recommendations are
implemented.
Annexes
Annex 1. About the authrs
Ms Rinchin
Ms Rinchin is a writer and environmentalist. She
has been working with people in the research
area for the last 5 years or so, and has played a
significant role in conducting the research.
Dr Prabir Chhatterjee
Dr Prabir Chatterjee is a medical doctor and
community health specialist, trained in Christian
Medical College, Vellore.
He has extensive experience in community health
and has worked with TB patients in Hiranpur, with
WHO in Godda ( both in Jharkhand) and with
UNICEF in Raiganj (North Bengal).
Dr Manan Ganguli
Dr Manan Ganguli is a medical doctor, trained
in Calcutta (Kolkata) University, and has an MSc
(in Radiation Biology) from London University.
He has worked for over 30 years in the field of
community health, both in India and abroad,
and has considerable experience in community
health, planning and evaluation.
Dr Ganguli works closely with a community-
based health programme in Jharkhand. He
has worked with a number of international
organisations, namely International Federation of
Red Cross/Crescent in South, South-East, Central
Asian countries and in Africa.
Dr Smarajit Jana
Dr Smarajit Jana is a medical doctor and public
health specialist who served as Epidemiologist
at the All India Institute of Hygiene & Public
Health, and as associate professor in community
medicine in medical colleges. He also worked
as National Advisor to National AIDS Control
programme, Ministry of Health and Family
welfare, India.
Dr Jana has conducted several research
programmes supported by ICMR and other
 21
Annex 2. Details of samples and their locations: 29-30 May, 2017.

SL DATE SAMPLE ID SAMPLE LOCATION & DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE

1. 18.05.2017 AS1 Sample taken from the top of the house of Mr Ramsay Yadav in the village of Kosam-
pali on the eastern side of the coalmines.
2. 19.05.2017 AS2 Sample taken from the top of the house of Mr Nehru Agriya in the village of Sarasmal
on the eastern side of the coalmines.
3. 20.05.2017 AS3 Sample taken from the top of the house of Mr Jaybandhu Patel in the village next to
Dongamahua Captive Power Plant in village of Dongamahua.
4. 24.05.2017 AS4 Sample taken from the top of the house of Mr Narayan Sidar in the village Sakta Sita-
pur about 4 kilometers from the coal mines and power plants
5. 29.05.2017 SS1 (Sedi- Sample of the sediment from a water stream that leaked out of the JPLs ash pond
ment) (taken in Regaon village). Several such water streams were seen leaking out of the
pond through various channels. The sample was collected in the presence of the vil-
lage head Pralhad Kumar Sidar.
6. 29.05.2017 SS2 (Sedi- Sample of sediment from the JPLs fly ash dump taken from the road across the village
ment) Regaon.
7. 29.05.2017 WS1 (Water) A water stream, greyish in colour, flows out from the ash pond through the agricultur-
al field of the village. Water from this stream meets the local canal and eventually the
river Kelo. Water is used for agricultural purposes, also for bathing by local residents.
Water samples were collected in the presence of the village head Pralhad Kumar
Sidar.
8. 29.05.2017 FAS1 (Fly The local residents complain that fly ash from the JPL power plant is dumped all
ash) around the village. The site from where the sample was collected was a plot of gov-
ernment land allocated for the Awas Yojna (low cost public housing programme). This
land is located between the JPL power plant and its ash pond.
9. 29.05.2017 BSS1 (Soil) The sample was collected from a private land owned by Mr Satyavadi Gupta, about
100 meters south from the JPL fly ash pond. At the time of the sampling, the crop in
the field was observed covered with fly ash.
10. 29.05.2017 WS2 (Water) Sample was taken from Nishad pond at Kunjemura village. Villagers complained of
the presence of ash deposit on the water. Water from this pond is used for drinking
and washing purposes. The pond is located about 400 meters North of JPLs flyash
pond. The sample was collected in the presence of BDC Ms. Vidyavati Sidar.
11. 29.05.2017 BSS2 (Soil) The sample was taken from a private land owned by Mr Shivcharan Nishad, about
350 meters North from the JPL flyash pond. At the time of the sampling, the field and
crop were covered with fly ash. The sample was collected in the presence of BDC Ms.
Vidyavati Sidar.
12. 29.05.2017 WS3 (Water) Water sample from the village pond in Kosampali adjacent to JPL coal mine. Water
from mine is directly emptied in the pond.
Water is used for bathing, washing and other household purposes. Residents com-
plain of itchiness in skin after using the water.
13. 29.05.2017 FAS2 (Fly Fly ash sample collected in Kosampali village. Fly ash generated at the Tamnar Power
ash) Plant is regularly dumped in the area.
14. 29.05.2017 BSS3 (Soil) Sample was collected from a private land owned by the aunt of Mr Kanhai Patel. The
land was black in colour possibly due to coal dust; farming on the land has been
abandoned due to repeated crop failures. The land is within 50 meters from the
coalmine.
15. 29.05.2017 SS3 (Sedi- Sediment taken from the banks of Karra nala in Kosampali/Sarsmal village. The water
ment) is used for irrigation purposes. This local canal carries water from the Jindal CHP coal
washery. The canal later joins river Kelo.
 22
16. 29.05.2017 SS4 (Sedi- Sample collected from the banks of Bendra nala, a canal that flows from Dongamau-
ment) ha Captive Power Plant. The water is used for irrigation, washing and other household
purposes. This canal later meets river Kelo. The sample was collected in the presence
of Mr. Dileep Sidar.
17. 29.05.2017 BSS4 (Soil) Soil sample taken from forest behind DCPP. While collecting the sample, flakes of fly
ash were falling on area. The sample was collected in the presence of Mr. Dileep Sidar.
18. 29.05.2017 SS5 (Sedi- Sample taken from a local canal that receives water from Jindal Coal washery in vil-
ment) lage Kodkel. The water from the canal is used for irrigation purposes.
19. 29.05.2017 BSS5 (Soil) The sample was collected from a private land owned by Mr Chaitram Patel in Kodkel
village. The land used for growing paddy depends on water from the local canal.
20. 29.05.2017 BSS6 (Soil) The sample was collected from a private land in Kodkel village. The land uses water
from the local canal to grow paddy.
21. 30.05.2017 WS4 (Water) Sample was collected from Bendra Nala behind DCPP at the confluence of effluent
channel from the power plant and mines. At the site, the water appeared to have an
oily film with a distinguishing odour of some oil.
22. 30.05.2017 SS6 (Sedi- Sample was collected from Bendra Nala behind DCPP at the confluence of effluent
ment) channel from the power plant and mines. There was an oily film on the water with
sharp oil like odour.
23. 30.05.2017 BSS7 (Soil) The sample was collected from a private land owned by Mr. Vijay Ram Bhoihar in
Beljhor village. The land uses water from the local canal to grow vegetables. The land
is located right behind DCPP and is mostly covered with fly ash from the plant.
24. 30.05.2017 BSS8 (Soil) Soil sample collected at the entrance of Dhaurabhata primary school. The place is by
a road on which several hundreds of trucks pass by every day carrying coal. The entire
place was covered with coal dust.
25. 30.05.2017 WS5 (Water) Sample collected from a local pond (Dongri talab) in Dhaurabhata village; the pond
in an abandoned mine. The water used for bathing and cleaning purposes was red in
colour.
26. 30.05.2017 BSS9 (Soil) Roadside soil sample collected at Banjkhod roundabout. Several hundreds of trucks
carrying coal form Hindalco mines pass through the road daily. The entire place was
covered in coal dust.
27. 30.05.2017 WS6 (Water) Sample collected from a local canal near village Kodkel that receives water from Hin-
dalco underground mine. The water, black in colour, is used for irrigation purposes.
Local residents also use this water for washing grains and for bathing purposes.
28. 30.05.2017 WS7 (Water) Sample of drinking water in Kodkel village. Villagers report of getting coal particles in
their water and suspect that water from mines is being channelised as drinking water
by the mining company.
Back cover photo: Children from Kosampali village walk past a sign signalling blasting in the Gare
Pelma/2&3 mines. Many houses here are less than 200 mitres from the mines blasting site.
Credit: Aruna Chandrasekhar.
People First Collective, India
are a group of professionals,
environmentalists and social
activists who are deeply con-
cerned about the economic
growth of India today that is
based on inequality and fo-
cuses on indiscriminate min-
ing and associated industries.
The Collective believe that
the development policies of
the government disregard
the true interest of people,
dalits and adivasis in particu-
lar, depriving their rights over
land and natural resources,
and thereby have in icted ir-
reparable damage to the en-
vironment.

People First Collective, In-

dia will continue to focus on
environmental health issues
and violations of environ-
mental norms and rights of
people, be it land or basic hu-
man rights. It will undertake
social researches similar to
the study mentioned above
and will promote in relevant
forums within India and inter-
nationally.